The leaders of the EU decided to extend sanctions against Russia

The leaders of the countries of the European Union on 15 December decided to extend sanctions against Russia for another six months.

It is reported that the relevant decision was adopted at the EU summit.

Earlier that among EU countries there is an agreement on the extension of economic sanctions against Russia has already said the President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite.

On 13 December, the media reported that the European Union by written procedure, will take the decision to renew economic sanctions against Russia immediately after the EU summit, which will take place on 15 December in Brussels.

Relations between Russia and the EU deteriorated significantly after the Russian aggression against Ukraine – the annexation of Crimea and invasion of Eastern region of the country. Sanctions against Russia and the so-called “power” occupied Crimea was introduced in 2014, they had been extended to 2015 and 2016. In particular, on 1 July, the EU Council extended the economic sanctions against Russia for another six months, until 31 January 2017.

On 8 November the EU Finance Ministers have agreed to impose new targeted sanctions against the so-called Crimean officials. Thus, Brussels extended the sanctions imposed in 2014 after the seizure of the Russian Federation of the Crimea.

In General, the leading countries of the West are convinced that sanctions will remain in force until complete fulfillment by the Russian Federation the Minsk agreements.